Balancing Safety and Security in Escape Routes

In the fast-paced world of construction, buildings, infrastructure, and industrial projects, safety and security in escape routes are of utmost importance.

Architects, planners, and specifiers play a critical role in ensuring that these spaces not only meet safety regulations but also incorporate effective security measures. As a leader in the industry, dormakaba understands the challenges and complexities involved in achieving this delicate balance.

This article aims to educate and inform readers on key considerations when designing and implementing escape routes. Through this expositive and informative piece, dormakaba aims to empower architects, planners, and specifiers to make informed decisions when it comes to the crucial task of balancing safety and security in escape routes.

Understanding Codes and Standards

In the construction industry, regulations are crucial to maintain uniformity, promote best practices, and safeguard the well-being of occupants.

• Codes and standards provide a comprehensive framework for architects, planners, and specifiers to design, construct, and maintain buildings safely and securely.
• They offer clear guidelines on various aspects, including fire safety, accessibility, structural integrity, and emergency evacuation procedures.

By adhering to these regulations, professionals can ensure that buildings are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also meet the necessary safety standards.

Notable Building Standards

1. The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is widely recognized as a fundamental document in the construction industry. It covers a broad range of safety requirements, including means of egress, fire protection systems, occupancy classifications, and building services.
2. Another essential code is the IBC - International Building Code, which serves as a benchmark for building regulations across the globe. It provides comprehensive guidelines for structural integrity, fire resistance, occupancy types, and accessibility. The IBC is regularly updated to incorporate advancements in construction practices and technology, ensuring that buildings meet evolving safety standards.
3. It is important to note that while the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the IBC are widely recognized, there are also other codes specific to different regions and countries. These local codes may address regional challenges, climate considerations, and cultural factors.

Restricting Unauthorized Personnel while Maintaining Safe Exits

It can be a challenge to strike a balance between allowing only authorized personnel access to specific areas and ensuring a safe exit for all occupants. Architects and planners face the task of implementing effective security measures without compromising the ability of individuals to swiftly evacuate the premises during emergencies. This delicate balance requires innovative solutions that address both security and safety concerns.

• One such solution that has gained prominence is delayed egress doors. These doors are equipped with specialized systems and devices that control the door's opening. In emergencies, an occupant needs to push on it until an alarm sounds, initiating a 15-second delay before the door can be opened. The key idea behind delayed egress doors is to provide a secure barrier during normal situations while ensuring a safe exit path during emergencies.

In any emergency scenario, clear and visible emergency exit signage plays a vital role in guiding occupants to safety. It is imperative to have properly placed signage that indicates the direction of emergency exits.

Additionally, the ease of opening the doors is crucial for a swift evacuation. Occupants must be able to quickly and intuitively operate the doors without confusion or hindrance.

This includes providing clear instructions on how to activate the delayed egress mechanism and ensuring that the doors open smoothly and easily when the delay period has elapsed.

A - Special Application for Smoke Evacuation Doors

In buildings with high occupancy, such as arenas, sports facilities, and shopping malls, the need for effective smoke evacuation becomes paramount.

• Smoke evacuation doors play a vital role in controlling the movement of smoke and facilitating the safe evacuation of occupants during fire incidents. These doors are specifically designed to mitigate the spread of smoke, allowing fresh air to enter the building and ensuring a clear escape route for individuals.
• Smoke evacuation doors consist of various components that contribute to their functionality and effectiveness.

1. These include smoke detectors, smoke dampers, and automatic closing devices.
2. The doors are equipped with specialized hardware and mechanisms that facilitate their operation in emergencies.
3. It is essential to comply with the specific requirements outlined by codes and standards to ensure the proper design and installation of smoke evacuation doors.

These requirements typically cover factors such as door size, sealing effectiveness, and the capacity to withstand fire and smoke for a designated period.

• To meet the unique demands of smoke evacuation, specific hardware is employed for these doors.

1. This hardware includes panic bars, which allow occupants to easily and quickly open the doors in emergencies. Panic bars are designed to withstand high force and are typically placed along the entire width of the door.
2. Additionally, electromagnetic locks, also known as maglocks, are often utilized to ensure the secure closure of smoke evacuation doors when not in use. These locks provide reliable holding force and help prevent smoke from infiltrating adjacent areas.

B - Ensuring Easy and Smooth Exits for Building Occupants

When it comes to ensuring the safety of building occupants, architects and planners are constantly seeking innovative solutions that facilitate easy and smooth exits during emergencies.

• One such solution lies in the strategic integration of sliding door systems and revolving door systems into escape routes. These systems not only provide convenient access in regular situations but also play a crucial role in emergency scenarios.

1. Sliding Door Systems as Part of Escape Routes

In case of emergencies, occupants can rely on the main entrance equipped with a dual-drive option.

• These doors are seamlessly integrated with fire alarm systems, ensuring that when the alarm sounds, the sliding doors automatically open, allowing individuals to swiftly evacuate the premises.
• This synchronized operation eliminates the need for manual intervention and minimizes the risk of delays or confusion during evacuations.

By seamlessly integrating sliding doors with fire alarms, architects and planners can optimize the safety and efficiency of escape routes in buildings.

2. Revolving Door Systems: The Break-Out Option

In addition to sliding door systems, revolving door systems offer an alternative method to enable quick escape in emergencies.

• These systems are equipped with a break-out option, allowing the panels to collapse when an occupant pushes against them.
• This break-out feature ensures a swift and unobstructed path for individuals to evacuate the building during critical situations.
• Revolving doors should also have an auto assisted pass door to the one side.

By incorporating revolving door systems with break-out options in main entrance areas, architects and planners can provide occupants with an additional means of egress, further enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of emergency exits.

C - Double Egress or Two-Way Communication

Double egress doors refer to a set of doors that are equipped with specialized hardware to provide two-way communication or movement.

• Unlike conventional swing doors that open in one direction, double egress doors offer the flexibility of opening in both directions.
• This unique characteristic allows for seamless traffic flow, especially in emergencies where quick and unobstructed movement is paramount.

One of the primary advantages of incorporating double egress doors into building design is their ability to prevent the expansion of fire.

• By effectively compartmentalizing spaces, double egress doors restrict the movement of fire and smoke, limiting their impact on adjacent areas.
• This feature is particularly crucial in larger buildings where containing the spread of fire is a critical factor in ensuring the safety of occupants and minimizing property damage.

D - Double Egress Doors vs Swing Doors

When comparing double egress doors to swing doors, several advantages become apparent.

• Swing doors, which open in one direction, can pose challenges during emergencies, potentially leading to congestion and delays.
• In contrast, double egress doors offer a more efficient solution by enabling simultaneous movement in both directions, ensuring a smoother flow of occupants during evacuations.
• Additionally, double egress doors serve as a barrier to prevent fire expansion in order compartments, aiding in fire containment efforts.
• The incorporation of double egress doors provides a practical and efficient means of facilitating safe and swift evacuations, while also enhancing fire safety measures by preventing the spread of fire.

Conclusion

The construction industry's commitment to balancing safety and security in escape routes is of utmost importance. Throughout this article, we have explored various aspects and considerations related to this crucial endeavor.

By considering the key points discussed in this article, architects, planners, and specifiers can navigate the complex landscape of balancing security and safety in escape routes more effectively. Ultimately, their expertise and informed decision-making will contribute to creating buildings and infrastructures that prioritize the well-being and protection of occupants in any emergency.

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